Organics' debated 38

As most readers know, last year Congress overturned a court ruling that would have banned 38 nonagricultural ingredients in organic foods. The ingredients in question had been on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "National List" of approved ingredients since the Organic Rule was implemented in 2002. While the debate continues over whether the Thorny 38 should be permitted, it's helpful to at least know what they are. Here, then, is a list of the ingredients, along with a brief description of their common uses. In some instances, the description is taken directly from the National List. While many of the ingredients have high-tech, chemical-sounding names, all of them are derived from natural sources, frequently occurring in the soil or atmosphere.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVII/number 3/p. 100